A
daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and
exhortation.
Thursday,
November 11,
2021
Veteran's
Day
Colebrook
Road foliage
(Click
on photo to enlarge)
"Surrounded By
Witnesses"
Message
summary: Consider veterans
you know today, both military and spiritual. Why don't you
take a moment to thank God for them, and if it's possible,
write a word of appreciation to them. You'll make their
day!
Listen
to this message on your audio player.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses" (Hebrews 12:1a).
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses" (Hebrews 12:1a).
Today is Veteran's Day. On this day we are especially called to remember those who served our country in times of conflict and in times of peace. War is one of the awful consequences of the Fall. Mankind has been in conflict with one another ever since Cain killed Abel. The first wars are recorded in Genesis 14.
We
realize many veterans read these messages, including
several we know, as well as those who are in active
service. We thank you for your service. I specifically
consider my dad (left) who trained as a pilot during WW2
and Brooksyne's dad (right) who served during the Korean
War. We both also have brothers who are veterans as well
as many extended family members and friends and those in
churches we have servedToday let us
consider spiritual veterans who have "fought the good
fight". This phrase was first used by the Apostle Paul
in his final letter (2 Timothy 4:7). I am grateful for all,
great and small, who have gone before us and joined the "great
cloud of witnesses" referred to in our daily text.
We thank God
for the giants of faith, those well known in the Bible and
in the history of the Church. But only a very tiny
percentage of those who have lived by faith are well known.
The vast, vast
majority has lived in relative obscurity. But their
contribution is just as important. These are the people we
personally know, those who have taught us and come alongside
us in times of trial. What great encouragement they give us!
Some of these
veterans have joined the great cloud of witnesses in heaven
and the older you get the greater this category grows.
Others still
plod along on this side. "Plod" to me is a positive word. Warren Wiersbe, who is now with the Lord, had a
formative role in both our lives through his many books. One
of them was titled, "In Praise of Plodders".
He
elaborates, "Plodders are those who labor with determination
and drive--whether pastor, teacher, choir director, or
counselor. The
word “plod” comes from a Middle English word that means "a
puddle.” A "plodder" is someone who is willing to get his
feet wet and wade through water and mud to get to his
destination. He or she keeps going! History shows us that
it is the plodders who finally make it. "By perseverance,"
said Spurgeon, "the snail reached the ark." In this age of
fast food, digests and quick fixes, plodding is not held
in high esteem; but it is still the plodders who are
getting things done, a day at a time, a step at a time.
William Carey sums it up well, “I can plod. I can
persevere in any definite pursuit. To this I owe
everything.”
He
elaborates, "Plodders are those who labor with determination
and drive--whether pastor, teacher, choir director, or
counselor. The
word “plod” comes from a Middle English word that means "a
puddle.” A "plodder" is someone who is willing to get his
feet wet and wade through water and mud to get to his
destination. He or she keeps going! History shows us that
it is the plodders who finally make it. "By perseverance,"
said Spurgeon, "the snail reached the ark." In this age of
fast food, digests and quick fixes, plodding is not held
in high esteem; but it is still the plodders who are
getting things done, a day at a time, a step at a time.
William Carey sums it up well, “I can plod. I can
persevere in any definite pursuit. To this I owe
everything.” These living
veterans demonstrate faithfulness to the end. I consider Ed Berkey. He
was a pastor for many years before he served as the district superintendent of Southern New
England. Brooksyne and I came to know him and his wife
Gladys when I was pastoring in Taunton, MA. The Berkeys
celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary in September and
we stay in touch through daily encouragement. I still recall
an encouraging word from him back in 1996 while our online
ministry was still in its infancy. This week, 25 years later, we received an
encouraging note from him.
Consider
veterans you know today, both military and spiritual, some
both. Why don't you take a moment to thank God for them, and
if it's possible, write a word of appreciation to them.
You'll make their day!
Be encouraged today, (Hebrews 3:13)
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily
prayer: Father, we
give thanks for our veterans who have served in the
military seeking to defend our freedoms and serve
their country. Far too many gave their all and did
not return to their home shore alive. We are also
thankful for the many spiritual veterans who have
served us. While military forces defend our rights
with the latest military gear and technique,
spiritual veterans do battle for us in the spiritual
realm. They know our struggle is not against flesh
and blood, but against the rulers, against the
authorities, against the powers of this dark world
and against the spiritual forces of evil in the
heavenly realms. We're grateful for their dedication
and for the sacrifice they made on our behalf. Amen.Today's
Suggested
Music and Supplemental Resources
Pastor
Ed and Gladys Berkey celebrated their 70th
wedding anniversary in September 2017. Ed was
my District Superintendent the first several
years we lived in New England in the 90's and
was an early encourager of our Daily
Encouragement ministry. This week we received
an encouraging note from him.
Shenck's Mill Covered bridge is one of
Lancaster Counties many covered bridges. The
rather unsightly bar in front of it is to
prohibit entry to over-sized vehicles. Years ago
a covered bridge in eastern Lancaster County was
damaged when a semi truck tried to go through!!!
I rode my bike in this area yesterday in the
late warm afternoon just before the sunset.
Chiques Creek
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Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."
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